The Vikings have a new head coach in Kevin O’Connell and a new attitude that they can show off on opening day at home against the Packers. Kirk Cousins is going to have a lot of success under O’Connell, as will RB Dalvin Cook and the Vikings' talented wide receivers. The Packers lost their offensive coach and their best receiver. Now Aaron Rodgers gets Sammy Watkins. Last season, the Vikings beat the Packers 34-31 at home in overtime. The Packers were sleepwalking last season in Week 1, losing to the Saints 38-3. I’m on the Vikings to cover.

QB Aaron Rodgers has owned the Vikings throughout his career, but he has never faced them with an untested receiving corps as this one. Not only is WR supreme Davante Adams gone, but Allen Lazard is doubtful. That means Packers newcomer Sammy Watkins, a veteran in the twilight of his NFL stay, could be elevated to Rodgers’ primary target. Worse, both projected OTs, notably All-Pro David Bakhtiari, are questionable. Despite A-Rod’s statistical excellence against Minnesota, the home side has avoided loss in 15 of the 26 matchups. They will never stumble into a better scenario against him.

The idea that is doesn't matter who Aaron Rodgers' receivers are will be put to the test in Week 1 with Allen Lazard doubtful, as the passing attack may be centered around Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins. But equally as troubling for me is the state of the offensive line, with both David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins questionable. Both are star players when 100%, but the team many not want to risk either's health on the turf in Minnesota. Is it also worth wondering whether new Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell was more key to the Rams' success than previously thought after watching Sean McVay flounder in the opener? At this point, it's surprising to me the Vikings aren't favored in this game with the state of the Packers.

This has become almost a too en vogue (strike a pose!) pick, but the Packers apparently will be without No. 1 wideout Allen Lazard, who frankly shouldn't be anyone's No. 1 wideout -- not even on the Bears. That's what happens when you lose Davante Adams and even Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Green Bay also has some offensive line questions. Minnesota is quite healthy, and I think being criminally underrated this year. When healthy, find me a better RB/WR trio than Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. The defense was second in the NFL last year with 51 sacks and now has a healthy Danielle Hunter (seven games in 2021) and former Packer Za'Darius Smith (12.5 sacks in 2020, his last healthy season). Sure, Aaron Rodgers can win this by himself, but his 10 career losses to the Vikes are his most against any opponent and seven of those were in the Twin Cities.

I'm using the Vikings in a teaser but also like them ATS and ML. Kevin O'Connell will unlock the elite talent on this offense, starting with Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn, Irv Smith and Dalvin Cook. Minnesota will throw more on early downs and be more aggressive throughout. While the Packers' defense is top-notch, Green Bay's offense could struggle initially without Davante Adams. It also looks like Allen Lazard (foot) will miss Week 1. Za'Darius Smith has circled this game, saying the Packers ignored him after he got hurt last year. He and Danielle Hunter are healthy. That should make it an uncomfortable afternoon for Aaron Rodgers.

Football is a game of matchups and when it comes down to this game, the biggest matchup is at the QB position between Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins. You have to ask yourself the question: who can you trust the most? The answer is easily Aaron Rodgers. But if you remove both QBs from the equation, there is more trust on the Packers side, especially defensively, than their is on the Vikings side of the field.